Driving across the country is all fun and games until your back suddenly feels sore halfway through the trip. Those three cups of coffee you chugged down at the last gas stop don’t help as your eyes begin to droop.
Long hours of driving can drain the life out of you. That’s why the car shipping business came into existence. Besides, there are many reasons why you can’t ride yourself to some far-away place — whether it’s moving to a new home or trying to avoid mileage on a brand-new car.
To Drive or To Ship?
Getting your car from point A to B across the country sounds rather straightforward, but it’s easier said than done. If you choose to drive, you will have to account for fuel, wear and tear caused by mileage, and several toll checkpoints. However, you don’t have to undergo all these hassles when shipping. All you need to do is to trust your transport company to do their job.
The Easiest Way to Ship Your Car
In reality, the easiest way to transport your car is by determining your needs and knowing your options. It’s a good idea to answer these questions:
- Do you want your car delivered right in front of your doorstep?
- Are you in a hurry for your auto to arrive at your desired location?
- What’s the cheapest service I can get with my budget?
With these points in mind, you can wisely choose a company to fulfill your demands. Having a rough idea of how you want the transport to progress is critical to a successful shipment.
The easiest way to transport your car is by determining your needs and knowing your options.
Shipping Options
To begin the process, you have two options:
- Terminal Shipping: Your car, together with other vehicles, are organized in a site then shipped in batches to the next location.
- Door-to-door Shipment: The transport company picks up your car then drops it off at a location of your choice.
Generally speaking, terminal shipping is cheaper. The downside to this option is that you will have to wait for your car to be cleared from the designated terminal. Once available, you also have to pick it up yourself.
Meanwhile, door-to-door service is more expensive but secure. You literally just have to sit back and wait for your auto to arrive.
Carrier Type
An open trailer is the most commonly used method of car transport. These are those large trucks piled with cars you see on the highway. Like you can imagine, your car will be exposed to the weather and other external elements. Despite the risks, many customers still choose this option, particularly those looking to save extra bucks on a move.
If you own a luxury car, you may want to go for an enclosed trailer. As the name suggests, your vehicle is highly protected, which gives you peace of mind.
How Much Does Car Shipping Cost?
Worried about your budget? Affordable car shipping shouldn’t be difficult to achieve. You can still find reputable companies that will transport your auto at reasonable prices.
Please note the price depends on several factors, such as:
- The size and weight of your vehicle (SUVs and pick-up trucks will cost more)
- Car model
- Distance traveled
- Mode of transport
- Time frame of delivery
- Seasons
In general, the average cost for car shipping is about $750 for every 1000 miles. So your final price can be anywhere between $500 and $1500. Don’t forget that there’s also fuel, mileage, and toll fees to consider. It would be best if you talked with your shipping company regarding additional charges.
Choosing an Excellent Shipping Company
Although some trusted companies offer affordable rates, you mustn’t establish your selection based on price alone.
What if the best companies near you are quite expensive? Are you just going to settle for a cheap one, even if it won’t guarantee the safety of your car? Of course not.
Reputable companies set their prices for good reason. They have years of experience in providing quality service to people so that you can rest assure your vehicle is in good hands.
Some additional tips from Caravan for choosing a shipping company:
- Check online reviews. Customer feedback is the most valuable information you can get.
- Contact the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to inquire about the company’s credentials.
- If you know someone who has hired the company before, ask them about their experience. This is more legitimate as online reviews can sometimes be faked.
You mustn’t establish your selection based on price alone.
Car shipping may cost a great deal but remember, you won’t have to do it often. Might as well make the experience easy, secure, and worthwhile. Consider your budget and the safety of your vehicle. Good luck!
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